Essential Middleware

Published: 11 September 2011

Idea Fabrik provides essential middleware to game developers with HeroCloudNow Includes Cost of Five Key Technologies Critical to Game Delivery

Idea Fabrik (GB00B61CVK31, TI4.F) today announced that five powerful industry-standard technologies are now bundled together with HeroCloud, its proprietary platform for building and distributing online games. The middleware includes:

Technology from RAD Game Tools: System for importing and utilizing 3D models and animations FMOD from Firelight Technologies: Programming library and toolkit for the creation and playback of interactive audio SpeedTree from Interactive Data Visualization: Tree modeling system that generates virtual foliage FaceGen from Singular Inversions: Allows game makers to create human faces based on statistical models Umbra: Frame rate and performance optimization technology for graphics occlusion

HeroCloud is a service that includes HeroEngine, the world’s only collaborative online game design platform and the most complete system for building multiplayer online games, that provides embedded server hosting and bandwidth, and access to global billing systems and social networks. The HeroCloud license has no-up front cost and developers keep 70% of revenue. Launched in 2011, more than 1,000 game developers are now using the HeroEngine in the HeroCloud Early Access program, with thousands more waiting to receive full-release access.

“HeroCloud was already an incredible value, and now we’re providing extra technologies that normally costs tens of thousands of dollars,” said Neil Harris, COO, HeroCloud. “Our goal has always been to help game developers find ways to make better looking, better sounding, better playing games, and with the addition of these critical technologies, we continue to advance our mission – to remove the barriers that stand in the way of creative game development.”

HEROENGINE: 5 New Technologies At No Cost

Idea Fabrik is essentially becoming an investor and publishing partner for online game developers by taking on the significant up-front costs associated with technology, distribution, and billing. HeroEngine has always supported technology from RAD Game Tools, Speed Tree, FaceGen and Umbra but until now, developers who were interested in shipping their games with the HeroEngine needed their own technology licenses. Based in part from feedback from Early Access developers, Idea Fabrik expanded the HeroCloud service to allow independent and talented development groups to make use of these crucial tools without the burden of a large upfront investment.

Mitch Soule of RAD Game Tools said, “Our mission at RAD Games is to perfect the next generation of game development tools based on our full circle of development, where programming and technical support co-exist, and ensure that our products continually get better.” He added, “We’re incredibly pleased that our technology is one of the building blocks of HeroCloud.”

“Umbra creates tools that cut down on computer processing time by optimizing critical parts of a game, such as rendering and content streaming, to allow developers to focus on the more relevant parts of game development,” said Farhad Taherazer of Umbra Software. “We know that many of the indie and smaller game developers don’t have the initial funds to license our technology, so we’re very excited that HeroCloud is including our middleware for free to that market segment.”